Binding system and apparatus



Sept. 1, 1964 w. c. HOFF BINDING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 15, 1962 Inventor WALLY C. HOFF Sept. 1, 1964 w. c. HOFF 3,146,473

BINDING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS Filed Oct. 15, 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG.2

Inventor WALLY c. HOFF Sept. 1, 1964 w. c. HOFF 3,146,473

' BINDING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS Filed Oct. 15, 1962 s Sheets-Sheet 5 Inventor WALLY c. HOFF Wgwm.

3,146,473 BINDING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS Wally Charles Hoff, 182244 Dauforth Ave, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Filed Oct. 15, 1962, Ser. No. 230,357 6 Claims. (Cl. 11-1) This invention relates to portable ofiice machines for binding loose sheets of paper and the like into book form to provide an effective means of storing files and records.

One of the difiiculties of storing records and retired files is the problem of providing an ordered arrangement wln'le at the same time using a minimum amount of space. Conventional methods of storing papers in file folders within drawers are notoriously unsatisfactory and various systems have been proposed for binding such paper together in book form.

However, such systems are complex and costly, requiring considerable expenditure for initial purchase, and also for upkeep. Trained operators are normally required and the machines are usually designed for quantity production rather than limited runs of various types. A further disadvantage is the comparatively large space requirements for such systems which is prohibitive to their use in small oflices.

Accordingly it is a main object of the present invention to provide a binding system and apparatus that will offer a simple, inexpensive means of binding paper and the like in book form which, while being adaptable to a large variety of paper sizes and thicknesses, can be operated by unskilled office personnel with a minimum of instruction.

It is another object of this invention to provide a binding system and apparatus which can be utilized for bind: ing normally scrap paper into neat pads for internal office use and also provide a means of producing brochures and the like for distribution.

The present invention also contemplates the use of edge binding of the separate sheets into booklets, whereby a complete file may be neatly stored flat within a drawer or box and may be easily removed intact for further reference.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a binding system and apparatus that will accommodate in combination various sizes and thicknesses of paper and the like in the binding process while at the same time pro vide means for binding wrinkled or multilated sheets.

Other features of this invention will become apparent from the following discussion and accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a vertical section through the apparatus showing the table in the heating position;

FIGURE 2 is a true view of the control and vibrator panel taken in the direction of the arrow 2 in FIGURE 1, wherein the table is in the vibrator position;

FIGURE 3 is a section through the stacking table clamp taken on the line 3--3 in FIGURE 1, and

FIGURE 4 is a view on the vibrator assembly.

In general the invention comprises a method of binding which incorporates a paper vibration period to align the edges, after which a backing media, which may be any suitable adhesive, is applied to a clamped edge. Exposure of the adhesive to heat cures same and a completed bound file or pad is obtained.

Referring to FIGURE 1 and FIGURE 2 the invention in detail comprises a case 11 having a prism like configuration with a sloping front face and a vertical back face. A dust cover 12 is secured along the top edge of case 11 by hinge 13 and may be held in an open position by arm 14 pivoted at 15 to cover 12 and releasably engaged on pin 16 on case 11. Handles 17 provide balanced carrying means for the apparatus.

rates Patent 3,146,473 Patented Sept. 1, 1964 A table support bar 18 is pivotally supported on rod 19 placed in a horizontal position intermediate of the open front face of case 11. One end 20 of rod 19 is threaded to receive a locking wheel 21, whereby tightening of wheel 21 will pressurably bias bar 18 against case 11 thus preventing rotation thereof. A resilient pad washer 22 is provided between case 11 and bar 18 to increase the locking action.

A vibrator table 23 is pivotally supported at 24 and is provided with a bearing 25 thereat. Thus table 23 may be rotated in two planes, about a horizontal axis through rod 19, and about point 24. In addition, the table may be locked in any desired horizontal position by manipulation of wheel 21 and may be swung to a desired degree of tilt about point 24.

The lower portion of the front face of case 11 is enclosed by cover plate 26 secured thereto by screws 27. Slots 28 and 29 allow the protrusion of vibrator uprights ice 30 and 31 respectively through plate 26, the attachment of which will be described later. Two switches, a toggle type power switch 32 and a press start, press stop vibrator switch 33 are also provided on plate 26 as is rotary heater timer switch 34. Support post 35 is rigidly mounted to plate 26 and projects upwardly to form a support for table 23 when same is in the horizontal position. Upright 30 may be adjusted for linear movement at right angles to upright 31 by releasing threadably secured knob 36 and adjusting.

The adjustment of upright 30 provides a means for altering the distance between the edge of table 23 and the upright.

An infra-red generator 37 is mounted within sockets 38 and 39 being thus supported Within a reflector 40. Reflector 40 of semi-parabolic section is resiliently supported at a predetermined distance from case 11 by a pair of coil springs 41 and 42 secured to the upper edge of case 11.

With reference to FIGURE 3 the stacking table clamp indicated generally as 43 is shown in detail. In this View table 23 is shown in a vertical position substantially immediately below generator 37.

Clamp 43 comprises frame 44 loosely and slidably positioned on vertical rods 45 and 46 which are rigidly secured to table 23. As each end of clamp 43 is similar one end only will be described. The clamping action is obtained by a floating lever 47 loosely mounted on screw 48 and pressurably biased therefrom by spring 49. An oversize hole 50 is provided in lever 47 and allows the passage of rod 45 therethrough while spring 49 maintains contact between the sides of hole 50 and rod 45. One end 51 of lever 47 is supported by a cam 52 while the other end 53 is free. Cam 52 is rotatably mounted in frame 44 and is manually positioned by a lever 54 secured thereto. Stops 55 and 56 limit the arcuate travel of lever 54. Pin 57 located at the lower end of rod 45 provides positioning means for table 23, upon same being in the vibrating position as shown in FIGURE 2, by mating within a hole in resilient washer 58 on cover plate 26.

As will be seen from the drawing, raising end 53 of the lever will release clamp 43 for movement along rods 45 and 46. By this action the clamp can be brought to bear on various thicknesses of paper placed on table 23, whereafter manipulation of lever 54 will rotate cam 52. The action of the cam is to apply a load to end 51 of the lever, however, since spring 49 biases the edges of hole 50 in contact with rod 45, lever 47 is immovable and the reaction from cam 52 forces frame 44 downwardly clamping paper on the table with great pressure.

With reference to FIGURE 1 and with particular reference to FIGURE 4 the vibrator assembly is shown in detail and comprises a linkage plate 5h having a generally triangular configuration and of substantial thickness and rigidity. A pair of slots 60, vertically positioned, are formed in linkage plate 59 in axial alignment, being adapted to receive in slidable engagement a pair of guide pins 61 rigidly secured to the under surface of cover plate 26, which in FIGURE 4 is omitted for clarity.

A second pair of slots 62, horizontally positioned, are formed in linkage plate 59 in axial alignment at right angles to slots 60, and are adapted to receive a second pair of pins 63 in slidable engagement therethrough. Pins 63 are rigidly secured to the upper surface of an oscillating plate 64 mounted in slidable contact subjacent to linkage plate 59.

Linkage plate 59 is held in slidable contact between cover plate 26 and oscillating plate 64 by a spring loaded bolt 65 passing through a close fitting hole in cover plate 26 and through loose holes in linkage plate 59 and oscillating plate 64.

A motor 66 is rigidly secured to the under surface of cover plate 26 by threaded rods 67, passing through suitable clearance holes 68 in oscillating plate 64, to attachment with cover plate 26. An eccentric cam 69 is rigidly secured to the motor shaft and has its high point in slidable contact with the rim of an oversize hole 70 in oscillating plate 64.

' Upright 31 is formed as an upwardly bent projection of oscillating plate 64, whereas upright 30 is a substantially rectangular plate of transparent material secured along the lower edge to an adjustable angle plate 71. Plate 71 is slidably mounted on oscillating plate 64, whereby a pair of studs 72 on plate 64 project through a slot 73 in angle plate 71. Clamping knob 36 is adjustably secured to oscillating plate 64 and is adapted to releasably secure plate 71 and thus upright 30 in any desired position. Clearance is provided through cover plate 26 for knob 36 for free adjustment thereof. 7

Referring again to FIGURE 1 and FIGURE 2 the electrical supply for the various elements is provided at socket 74. Motor 66 is wired in series with power switch 32 and vibrator switch 33, whereas infra-red generator 37 is Wired in series with power switch 32 and heater switch 34. A barrier 75, of preferably non-electrically conductive material, is secured between the upper edge of cover plate 26 and base 76 to protect an operator from accidental shock and also to protect operating elements from radiation of generator 37. Barrier 75 also forms a support for stop 77 which limits the arcuate travel of table 23 in the vertical position by impinging on snubber 7 8 secured to the underside of table 23.

In operation table 23 is rotated about point 24 until the table is at an angle of approximately 45 to the horizontal and it is rotated about rod 19 until pin 57 mates within washer 58. The papers or cards 78 are placed upon table 23, clamp 43 being in a raised position. Upright 30 is adjusted by loosening knob 36 and positioning the upright at the required distance from clamp 43. This distance is determined by the thickness of the paper material and also from the height of the stack. The action of the clamping pressure is to spread the ends 79 of the paper projecting beyond the table edge, thus allowing penetration of the backing material to the required depth. Obviously, the thicker the paper or stack, the greater is the amount of projection required. The position of the upright can be determined from scale 80 imprinted on cover plate 26, the scale having suitable divisions for various thicknesses of papers and stacks.

Switch 32 is then depressed which activates motor 66 and causes rapid rotation of cam 69.

Horizontal displacement of oscillating plate 64 is provided by slots 62, whereas vertical displacement is provided by slots 60. Thus plate 64 oscillates in a rotary manner being thus confined by the slots and tensioned by bolt 65. The process of vibration is continued until all abutting edges of paper 78 are aligned, switch 32 being again depressed to shut off motor 66.

Clamp 43 is then lowered into position on paper 78 by grasping ends 53 of levers 47 and raising slightly. Upon release of levers 47 rotation of levers 54 will cause great pressure to be exerted on paper 78 thus spreading edges 79 for the proper backing penetration.

Table 23 is then rotated aboutrod 19 and point 24 until a convenient position is reached, after which lock 21 is adjusted to secure the desired position. A suitable backing media such as a liquid adhesive is then applied to the exposed edge 79 of paper 78 and the table 23 is further rotated to a vertical position, to be limited by stop 77.

Timer switch 34 is then set to the desired limit and generator 37 provides infra-red radiation to cure the adhesive backing media. After curing a waiting period may be required before removing the bound paper, the time being dependent upon the adhesive used. Rotating table 23 to a horizontal position limited by post 35 enables clamp 43 to be released and the completed booklet removed.

While one preferred embodiment of this invention has been described it will be understood that various alterations in design may be resorted to while still falling within the scope of this invention.

What I claim is:

1. Apparatus for binding sheet material and comprising: a platform mounted for movement about at least one axis thereof for carrying said sheet material thereon; a clamping bar located along one edge of said platform for holding sheet material in position thereon; a jogger operable to vibrate said sheet material on said platform to form the same into a stack having at least one flat edge; a heat source for applying heat to said sheet material, means for rotating said platform about said axis to bring said flat edge of said sheet material into registration with said heat source; and switch means operable to energize said heat source for a desired duration.

2. Apparatus for binding sheet material and comprising: a platform mounted for movement about at least one axis thereof for carrying said sheet material thereon; a clamping bar located along one edge of said platform for holding sheet material in position thereon; adjustable stop means mounted for reciprocal vibratory movement in alignment with at least one edge of said platform, a vibrator motor for vibrating said adjustable stop means to form said sheet material on said platform into a stack having at least one flat edge, a heat source for applying heat to said sheet material; and means for rotating said platform about said axis to bring said flat edge of said sheet material into registration with said heat source.

3. Apparatus for binding sheet material and comprising: a platform for movement about at least one axis thereof for carrying said sheet material thereon; adjustably locatable stop means mounted for reciprocable vibratory movement along one edge of said platform for supporting said sheet material thereon; a jogger operable to vibrate said stop means to form said sheet material into a stack having at least one fiat edge; a heat source located in spaced relation to said platform for heating said sheet material; and means for rotating said platform about said axis to bring said flat edge of said sheet material into registration with said heat source.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein said means for moving said platform as aforesaid comprises bearing means supporting said platform for rotational movement about a central axis thereof extending substantially normal thereto; and swingable support means mounting said platform for swinging movement about an axis parallel to the plane of said platform.

5. Apparatus for binding sheet material and comprising: a platform mounted for movement about at least one axis thereof for carrying said sheet material thereon; a clamping bar located along one edge of said platform for holding sheet material in position thereon; releasable lock means integral with said clamping bar for holding the same in clamping relation to said platform adjustable stop means mounted for reciprocable vibratory movement alongside said edge of said platform carrying said clamping bar; a vibrator motor for vibrating said stop mal thereto; and swingable support means mounting said means to form said sheet material on said platform into platform for swinging movement about an axis parallel a stack having at least one fiat edge; a heat source located to the plane of said platform. in spaced relation to said platform for heating said sheet material and means for rotating said platform about 5 References Cited in the file of this patent said axis to bring said flat edge of said sheet material into UNITED STATES PATENTS registration with said heat source.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein said means (L109 Johnson 1953 for moving said platform as aforesaid comprises bearing g i gl g means supporting sald platform for rotational movement 10 2,968,336 Martin et a1 M Jan. 1961 about a central axis thereof extending substantially nor- 

1. APPARATUS FOR BINDING SHEET MATERIAL AND COMPRISING: A PLATFORM MOUNTED FOR MOVEMENT ABOUT AT LEAST ONE AXIS THEREOF FOR CARRYING SAID SHEET MATERIAL THEREON; A CLAMPING BAR LOCATED ALONG ONE EDGE OF SAID PLATFORM FOR HOLDING SHEET MATERIAL IN POSITION THEREON; A JOGGER OPERABLE TO VIBRATE SAID SHEET MATERIAL ON SAID PLATFORM TO FORM THE SAME INTO A STACK HAVING AT LEAST ONE FLAT EDGE; A HEAT SOURCE FOR APPLYING HEAT TO SAID SHEET MATERIAL, MEANS FOR ROTATING SAID PLATFORM ABOUT SAID AXIS TO BRING SAID FLAT EDGE OF SAID SHEET MATERIAL INTO REGISTRATION WITH SAID HEAT SOURCE; AND SWITCH MEANS OPERABLE TO ENERGIZE SAID HEAT SOURCE FOR A DESIRED DURATION. 